Slide Seals: In or Out When Slides Are Open

[We R BOB]

Greetings all -

I've noticed that whenever our slides are open, some of the seals are turned in, and others are turned out. Our thinking is that the seals should be turned out as it would provide better rain protection.

So our question is; Does it really matter?

We regularly lubricate the seals with 303 Protectant to try and keep them in top condition. Seems that it works on some seals but not on others. Sometimes, half of a seal on a slide is turned in, while the other half of it is turned out. When that happens, we usually wind up getting on a ladder and turn them all out.

So, what say you? How do your slide seals react to being opened? Does it really matter which way they are turned when the slides are open?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[Hoopy Frood]

I would think they should be out when the slides are out, but truth be told, I've never noticed on our 5th wheel.

[Second Chance]

The seals that flip in and out are just wiper seals. The real sealing is done by the bulb seals around the flange of the slide and opening. Most folks like the wiper seals out when the slides are out - looks neater and probably sheds water better as a first line of defense.

Rob

[llr2800]

out is what I have seen. I wonder if the 303 is making them too slick as it is only friction that turns them.

If they don't fold in while bring the slide in I think that would even be a bigger issue as they get jammed up under the flange

[Second Chance]

out is what I have seen. I wonder if the 303 is making them too slick as it is only friction that turns them.

If they don't fold in while bring the slide in I think that would even be a bigger issue as they get jammed up under the flange

The wiper seals are not long enough to get jammed. Many old-timers get some adhesive nylon bumpers/slides like these:

https://smile.amazon.com/16Pack-Self...905112&sr=8-10

and place two on each of the outer slide walls on either end of the slide. They will flip the wiper seals in and out nicely each time the slide is brought in our out. (Be sure to clean the area with alcohol first so there's no wax where you're going to use the adhesive.)

Rob

[MoonShadow_1911]

The wiper seals are not long enough to get jammed. Many old-timers get some adhesive nylon bumpers/slides like these:

https://smile.amazon.com/16Pack-Self...905112&sr=8-10

and place two on each of the outer slide walls on either end of the slide. They will flip the wiper seals in and out nicely each time the slide is brought in our out. (Be sure to clean the area with alcohol first so there's no wax where you're going to use the adhesive.)

Rob

Okay, Rob, guru, did you put these on your coach? [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

[Second Chance]

Okay, Rob, guru, did you put these on your coach? [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

I did on our Reflection and they worked well. I've not had the issue on the Solitude, so I haven't on it.

Rob

[IBEW Sparky]

Greetings all -

I've noticed that whenever our slides are open, some of the seals are turned in, and others are turned out. Our thinking is that the seals should be turned out as it would provide better rain protection.

So our question is; Does it really matter?

We regularly lubricate the seals with 303 Protectant to try and keep them in top condition. Seems that it works on some seals but not on others. Sometimes, half of a seal on a slide is turned in, while the other half of it is turned out. When that happens, we usually wind up getting on a ladder and turn them all out.

So, what say you? How do your slide seals react to being opened? Does it really matter which way they are turned when the slides are open?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

I was having that happen occasionally and would use the old handle from my previous TT that was used to hook & pull the awning strap down to pull them to the out position....you want them out. Since I waxed the slideout sides with a quality polish they don't seem to do it anymore.

[JCR GD]

I like mine to be flipped out when slides are out for wind and rain defense. Also, we get a lot of heat around here and I don't want them to get deformed by being half flipped so I always make sure they are flipped out.

A few years ago I ran a bead of lap sealant on the top of the slides to aid in the flipping process. Works great, always flips. If I were to do it again I would run the bead at a bit of an angle to make the flip a little at a time instead of all at once. The sides flip most of the time from passing over the windows but when they don't I use my "vent stick" to run under and flip them out.

I have seen some other brands that have added the plastic "flippers" from the factory. The stick on "sliders" that Rob mentions look like the ticket for areas that don't flip.

[dryfly]

The seals that flip in and out are just wiper seals. The real sealing is done by the bulb seals around the flange of the slide and opening. Most folks like the wiper seals out when the slides are out - looks neater and probably sheds water better as a first line of defense.

Rob

I've never thought about it, but wonder if there is any need to apply some of the 303 on the bulb seals? I really doubt it since they are not subjected to the outside environment.